Begin with a large log. Large, dense pieces of wood are slow to catch, but long to burn. The trick is to keep a flame going on this big guy long enough for him to catch.

This one is perfect because it allows for some airflow underneath.

Add pine needles or other highly flammable material. This will ignite and burn up quickly, and should be placed so they will catch the larger pieces on fire.

Place pine cones on top. The pine needles will ignite these and they will burn a little longer to help ignite the rest.

Next, arrange small twigs so that they will have plenty of airflow, and will catch the flames from below.

Now, tuck some dryer lint in among the twigs. (What? You don’t pack dryer lint when you go on vacation? Weird.) The lint is very flammable and will be the first to ignite.

Now, have your brawny 13 year old son use his handy dandy flint and steel to ignite the dryer lint. It will, in turn, ignite the pine needles and pine cones, which will ignite the small twigs, which will burn and ignite the larger pieces.

Be sure to have a stock pile of twigs and larger pieces so they can be added as needed.